It is
uncertain, if the historical concept of cultivars of Paeonia
arietina has anything to do with the species we recognise as
Paeonia arietina nowadays. The majority of the historical
Arietina-cultivars is extinct (with the exception of Paeonia
'Northern
Glory')

Such
of these varieties as I have had in cultivation have not shown
themselves to be particularly desirable, the shades of red
inclining too much toward a dull and purplish color.

The
variety cretica has been sometimes given specific rank. It
often goes under the name P. arietina oxoniensis. It is
said to be one of the first peonies to bloom, coming even before
P. tenuifolia. The flowers are pale rose or nearly white.
The plant occurs wild in the mountains of Crete.